6,500 deaths/year
     3,100 cardiovascular hospitalizations for the <65 age group
     1,000 asthma hospitalizations for the >65 age group
     2,900 respiratory hospitalizations for the <65 age group
     389,000 lower respiratory symptoms among children of the 7-14 age
                 group.

After review by CARB’s Air Quality Advisory Committee, the final draft staff report on the new PM standards will be released for public review in March 2002. The final staff report and recommendations for PM standards will be presented to the Air Resources Board at its meeting in May 2002.
 

With regard to current status, staff reported that PM10 levels were high in Indio in 2001 – projected to be at 52.8 ug/m3 through November 2001, excluding natural event days. It is likely that non-attainment status for CV would be declared by EPA in 2002. One of the causes could be attributed to dramatic increases in construction work in the area. To address the current development, AQMD staff proposes to submit to EPA a request for extension of attainment date from 2001 to 2006. This request will result in requirement of a new attainment plan and assessment of PM10 Most Stringent Measures (MSM). An undesirable alternative could be that EPA would issue a failure to meet standard notice, calling for mandatory reductions of 5% per year in the area, which might incur potential federal rulemaking. Staff explained that MSMs for PM10 go beyond BACM and RACM, and also beyond Rules 403 and 1186. Some MSM examples were quoted: for construction projects in areas over 10 acres – permits, Best Management Practices (BMPs), on-site monitor, fencing and signage are required; most of the unpaved surfaces must be stabilized; and new testing requirements and methods. Elements of the new attainment plan will include: updated source apportionment and emissions inventory, updated modeling, MSM analysis, and MSM control measures, as necessary. Actions proposed by AQMD staff include: initiate discussion with CARB and EPA on schedule and plan requirements; increase outreach to CV governments, industries, and the public; and prepare the request for extension which includes a new attainment plan.
 

Rule 1191 – Clean On-Road Light-Duty & Medium Duty Vehicles
The purchase of LEV or Cleaner vehicles began in July 2001. An updated list of rule-compliance vehicles was prepared in January 2002. Some operators have utilized cleaner vehicle credits to purchase medium-duty diesel vehicles, as allowed under the rule. No implementation issues were encountered.

Rule 1192 – Clean On-Road Transit Buses
Over 60% of transit buses are alternative-fueled. Smaller transits are evaluating hybrids and other alternative fuels. Long Beach Transit is moving forward with LNG buses. Gardena Transit is in the process of securing a location for a natural gas refueling station and is requesting a waiver to purchase diesel buses equipped with particulate traps in the interim. Omnitrans is converting to L/CNG refueling. CARB will reconsider the diesel path of the State Transit Bus Rule in March 2002. No decision has been made on diesel hybrids as compliant for Alternative Fuel path under CARB Transit Bus Rule. AQMD staff is discussing with CARB staff a funding issue regarding Carl Moyer Award assumptions for transit buses.

Rule 1193 – Clean On-Road Residential & Commercial Refuse Vehicles
Recent awards for infrastructure expansion were directed to the waste collection industry. Most rule-compliant vehicle purchases were conducted through funding programs. Waste Management requested Order of Abatement to purchase diesel vehicles due to an emergency situation. Smaller operators will be subject to rule beginning July 1, 2002. Potential liquefaction facilities are expected in the Basin. There are currently concerns regarding certainty in alternative fuel engine choices/availability in the future (after 2007). AQMD Staff is currently evaluating dual-fuel engine purchases for waste collection vehicles and will workshop the potential to revise the rule provision in February 2002. Potential rule amendment will be presented to the Board for consideration at its April/May 2002 meeting.

Rule 1194 – Commercial Airport Ground Access
AQMD funds have been allocated to: San Fernando Valley Taxicabs and Coachella Valley Taxicabs ($250,000 each); five taxicab organizations ($2.9 M); and $250,000 has been reserved for other taxicab operators. The proposal to create a $1.00 surcharge to support purchase of rule-compliant vehicles is under discussion with LAX staff. To date, 30 taxicab exemptions have been granted.

Rule 1195 – Clean On-Road School Buses Implementation
An Implementation Working Group was established in July 2001. Under this there are three sub-working groups on: funding opportunities; infrastructure development; and training and outreach. Funding for school buses is expected from statewide Lower Emission School Bus Program and MSRC. Requests for exemption have been received from school districts and private operators.

Rule 1196 – Clean On-Road heavy-duty Public Fleet Vehicles
The first draft Technical Infeasibility Certification Form had been released for public review. AQMD staff is updating a list of rule-compliant engines. Implementation of this rule will begin July 1, 2002.

Rule 1186.1 – Less Polluting Sweepers
The first draft Technical Infeasibility Certification Form had been developed for public review. A brochure for entities who operate street sweepers on rule requirements had been prepared. Implementation of this rule will begin July 1, 2002.

Status on Funding Programs
Under the Governor’s budget proposal no funding will be available for the Carl Moyer and School Bus programs. Potential fundings anticipated include:
          H.R. 4:          $40 Million (national) for school buses
          Parks Bond:    $50 Million (statewide) for Carl Moyer Program
          PCL Initiative: $170 Million (statewide) for traffic congestion and
                                     Clean School Buses programs

Staff will also be working closely with industry on Chairman’s Strategic Alliance Initiative No. 7 – Strategic Alliance on Clean Fuel Fleet Vehicle Funding.

During the course of the meeting there were some discussions about concerns raised by industry and operators regarding certainty in alternative fuel engine choices and future availability (after 2007). Chairman Wilson requested that a report be prepared on these issues and brought back to the Committee at the February meeting.
 

1. CEQA Document Commenting Update: Written reports submitted, no comments.